Obstruction clearing assembly

ABSTRACT

An obstruction clearing assembly for clearing an obstruction from a plumbing fixture and the respective pipe. The assembly positions inside the fixture, and is accessible and controlled from outside the fixture by a handle. The handle joins with a cable that passes through the fixture, and through the pipe. The handle controls the flailing, rotation, and thrust of the cable within the pipe. The cable includes a tip, which positions in proximity to the obstruction. A prong joins to the end of the tip, and is configured to engage the obstruction. The prong moves in conjunction with the cable to provide sufficient agitation to clear the obstruction. A casing provides a watertight conduit for the cable and the tip to pass through the pipe. A sleeve provides a rigid frame for the cable. A fitting joins variably sized components of the assembly, while a gasket provides a seal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to clog removal devices. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the invention relate to clog removal devices for plumbing fixtures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon. By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that plungers are typically used to remove clogs. Additionally, chemicals are sometimes used to remove clogs. Plungers and chemicals are sometimes messy and can often be unsightly. Additionally, plungers may be difficult to use to completely remove a clog.

In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal approaches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary clog removal device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary clog removal device positioned inside a plumbing fixture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to “a step” or “a means” is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “example embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an exemplary embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful considerations and compromises typically must be made when designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may configured according to the needs of the particular application, whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s), component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that addresses the needs of the particular application.

It is to be understood that any exact measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation details.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

There are various types of obstruction clearing assemblies 100 that may be provided by preferred embodiments of the present invention. For example, without limitation, the obstruction clearing assembly may clear an obstruction from a pipe portion of a plumbing fixture that cannot be removed with a plunger or chemical compound. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the obstruction may include, without limitation, hair, tissue paper, fecal matter, beauty products, fats/oils, food, and the like. In some embodiments, the obstruction clearing assembly may be a permanent fixture positioned inside the plumbing fixture. In some embodiments, a compartment with an exteriorly accessible door may provide access to a handle that is utilized for controlling the obstruction clearing assembly.

The obstruction clearing assembly may include a cable that passes through the plumbing fixture, to the piping. The cable may position inside the pipe and be flexible enough to maneuver through the pipe in the plumbing fixture, yet rigid enough to engage and clear the obstruction from the pipe. In some embodiments, the cable may be operable to rotate and thrust within the pipe. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the cable may include a coiled metal wire with a space between the coils. The cable may flail and agitate around the inside surface of the pipe, scraping off accumulated matter that may be reducing the effective interior diameter of the pipe. In some embodiments, the cable may include a tip, disposed to be in proximity to the obstruction. In some embodiments, a casing may provide a watertight conduit for the tip to pass through the plumbing fixture, to the pipes. The tip may include a prong for engaging the obstruction. In some embodiments, the prong may include, without limitation, a clamp, a serrated edge, a pointer, a claw, and a rigid brush. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the prong rotates and thrusts in conjunction with the cable to provide sufficient agitation to clear the obstruction. In some embodiments, the cable slides into a sleeve. The sleeve provides a rigid frame for the cable. In some embodiments, at least one gasket provides a seal between the cable and the sleeve. In some embodiments, a fitting may join variably sized components of the obstruction clearing assembly, including, without limitation, the tip with the cable, and the cable with the sleeve. The handle, which may be accessible from outside the plumbing fixture, may allow a user to control the obstruction clearing assembly either manually, or with a motor.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary obstruction clearing assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The obstruction clearing assembly 100 includes a cable 105 and a tip 110. In some embodiments, the tip 110 may be configured to remove a clog. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the tip 110 may include at least one prong 115. The prong 115 may be configured to remove a clog in some embodiments. Suitable materials for the tip 110 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the tip may be configured to rotate. In some embodiments, the prong may be configured to rotate. In some embodiments, the prong may include, without limitation, a clamp, a serrated edge, a pointer, a claw, and a rigid brush. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the prong rotates and thrusts in conjunction with the cable to provide sufficient agitation to clear the obstruction. In some embodiments, the prong 115 may include a length. A suitable range for the length includes, but is not limited to 1′ to 5 feet. However, other lengths may be available in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the prong may include an adjustable height. Suitable materials for the prong 115 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof.

The tip 110 may be joined to the cable 105 in some embodiments. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the cable may include at least one thread 120. A plurality of threads may be aligned diagonally in some embodiments. Suitable materials for the cable 105 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. Suitable materials for the thread 120 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the cable may be configured to rotate. In some embodiments, the cable 105 may include a length. A suitable range for the length includes, but is not limited to 1′ to 24′. However, other lengths may be available in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the cable may include an adjustable height.

In some embodiments, a sleeve 125 may be provided. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the cable 105 may be disposed, at least partially, within the sleeve 125. The sleeve may be flexible in some embodiments. However, in other embodiments, the sleeve may provide a rigid frame for supporting the cable. Suitable materials for the sleeve 125 may include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve may be configured to rotate with the cable. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the sleeve may provide sufficient rigidity around the cable in proximity to the handle, whereby sufficient leverage and control is provided to maneuver the cable. In some embodiments, the sleeve may allow the user to transmit power to the cable through a variable angle, at constant rotational speed.

In some embodiments, the sleeve may include a fitting 130. Suitable materials for the fitting 130 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fitting 130 may be threaded. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the fitting 130 may be diagonally threaded. In some embodiments, the fitting 130 may be configured to divide a first portion 135 of the cable from a second portion 140 of the cable. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the second portion 140 may be disposed in the sleeve 125. In some embodiments, the fitting 130 may be configured to rotate.

In some embodiments, a handle 145 may be provided. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the handle may be joined to the cable 105. The handle 145 may be joined to the first portion 135 in some embodiments. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the handle may be configured to rotate. Suitable materials for the handle 145 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, and combinations thereof. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, when the handle 145 rotates, at least one of the cable 105, the sleeve 125, the tip 110, the fitting 130, and the prong 115 may also rotate. In some embodiments, the handle may be configured to thrust toward a clogged area. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the handle may be configured to thrust away from a clogged area. In some embodiments, when the handle 145 thrusts, at least one of the cable 105, the sleeve 125, the tip 110, the fitting 130, and the prong 115 may also thrust. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the handle may be configured as a lever. In one alternative embodiment, the handle may include an antibacterial surface. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that the handle may include a hand crank that rotates. The rotation creates a mechanical transfer that allows the cable and tip to flail, rotate, and thrust within the pipe portion. However, in other embodiments, the handle may thrust the cable further into the pipe portion, while the motor provides the rotation for the cable and tip.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary obstruction clearing assembly positioned inside the plumbing fixture, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the obstruction clearing assembly rests permanently as a component of the plumbing fixture. However, in other embodiments, the obstruction clearing assembly may be detachable from the plumbing fixture, and may clear obstructions in a multiplicity of different plumbing fixtures. In some embodiments, the obstruction clearing assembly 200 may be disposed, at least partially, within a plumbing fixture 250. In some embodiments, the plumbing fixture may include, without limitation, a toilet, a urinal, a sink, and a bathtub. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the obstruction clearing assembly 200 may be disposed, at least partially, in a tank portion 255 of the plumbing fixture 250. The handle 245 may be disposed within a compartment 260 in some embodiments. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the compartment may be accessible from outside of the plumbing fixture 250. The compartment 260 may include a door in some embodiments. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the compartment may be waterproof. Suitable materials for the compartment 260 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, porcelain, ceramic and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the compartment 260 may be joined, at least partially, to the tank portion 255 of the plumbing fixture.

In some embodiments, the tip 210 may be disposed, at least partially, in a casing 265. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the casing may be waterproof. Suitable materials for the casing 265 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, porcelain, ceramic and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the casing may be joined, at least partially, to a pipe portion 270 of the plumbing fixture. The casing may provide a conduit for the tip and the cable to pass through the pipe portion. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a gasket 275 may be provided. In some embodiments, the gasket may be waterproof. The gasket 275 may be joined, at least partially, to at least one of the sleeve 225, the tip 210, the fitting 230 and the cable 205. Those skilled in the art, in light of the present teachings, will recognize that threaded pipe joints and gaskets may be sealed with thread seal tape or pipe dope. In some embodiments, plumbing fixtures may seal to a mounting surfaces with various gaskets or plumber's putty. Suitable materials for the gasket 275 include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, porcelain, ceramic and combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the tip 210 may be configured to thrust into the pipe portion 270. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the tip may be configured to thrust out of the pipe portion. In some embodiments, the tip 210 may be configured to rotate in the pipe portion 270. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cable 205 may be configured to thrust into the pipe portion 270. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the cable may be configured to thrust out of the pipe portion. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the cable may be configured to rotate in the pipe portion 270. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the cable 205, the tip 210 and the prong 215 may be configured to remove a clog from the pipe portion 270.

In some embodiments, a motor 280 may be provided. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the motor 280 may be configured to rotate at least one of the sleeve 225, the tip 210, the fitting 230, the cable 205, the prong 215, and the handle 245. In some embodiments, the motor may be configured to thrust at least one of the sleeve 225, the tip 210, the fitting 230, the cable 205, and the prong 215 into the pipe portion 270. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the motor 280 may be configured to thrust at least one of the sleeve 225, the tip 210, the fitting 230, the cable 205, and the prong 215 out of the pipe portion 270. In some embodiments, the motor may include a portable power source, including, without limitation, an electrochemical cell, a rechargeable battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, C battery, AA battery, and the like. The motor 280 may be disposed within a box in some embodiments. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the box may be accessible from outside of the toilet 250. The box may include a door in some embodiments. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the box may be waterproof. Suitable materials for the box include, but are not limited to, a metal, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, a polymer, plastic, rubber, porcelain, ceramic and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the box may be joined, at least partially, to the tank portion 255 of the plumbing fixture.

In one alternative embodiment, the obstruction clearing assembly may be operable by remote control, whereby a user does not have to access the handle to rotate and thrust the cable within the pipe portion. In another alternative embodiment, the prong may include a chemical composition for applying to the inner surface of the pipe portion. The chemical composition may dissolve fats within the pipe portion.

All the features or embodiment components disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying abstract and drawings, unless expressly stated otherwise, may be replaced by alternative features or components serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose as known by those skilled in the art to achieve the same, equivalent, suitable, or similar results by such alternative feature(s) or component(s) providing a similar function by virtue of their having known suitable properties for the intended purpose. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent, or suitable, or similar features known or knowable to those skilled in the art without requiring undue experimentation.

Having fully described at least one embodiment of the present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of implementing clog removal devices according to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration, and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. The particular implementation of the clog removal devices may vary depending upon the particular context or application. By way of example, and not limitation, the clog removal devices described in the foregoing were principally directed to clog removal devices for toilets implementations; however, similar techniques may instead be applied to other drains, including, but not limited to, sinks, showers, and tanks which implementations of the present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. The invention is thus to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding. Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or steps in the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An obstruction clearing assembly comprising: a cable, said cable comprising at least one thread, said cable further comprising a tip, said tip being disposed to be in proximity to an obstruction, said tip comprising a prong, said prong being configured to engage said obstruction; a sleeve, said sleeve being configured to receive said cable, said sleeve comprising a fitting, said fitting being configured to segregate a first portion of said cable from a second portion of said cable; at least one gasket, said at least one gasket being operable to provide a seal; a casing, said casing being configured to cover said tip, said casing being further configured to join with a pipe portion; a handle; and a plumbing fixture, said plumbing fixture comprising a tank portion, said tank portion comprising a compartment, said compartment being disposed to provide access to said handle, said plumbing fixture further comprising a motor, said motor being operatively joined with said cable.
 2. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 1, wherein said cable, said sleeve, said casing, and said handle are positioned inside said plumbing fixture.
 3. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 2, wherein said handle is accessible inside said compartment through a door.
 4. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 3, wherein said casing is configured to provide a conduit for said tip to access said pipe portion.
 5. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 4, wherein said casing is configured to provide a watertight seal around said tip.
 6. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 5, wherein said tip thrusts and rotates.
 7. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 6, wherein said prong is configured to engage an obstruction.
 8. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 7, wherein said cable thrusts and rotates.
 9. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 8, wherein said sleeve is configured to provide a rigid frame for said cable.
 10. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 9, in which said at least one thread comprises a multiplicity of diagonally oriented threads.
 11. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 10, wherein said at least one gasket is operable to provide a seal between said sleeve and said cable.
 12. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 11, wherein said at least one gasket is operable to provide a seal between said fitting and said cable.
 13. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 12, wherein said fitting is operable to join variably sized components of said obstruction cleaning assembly.
 14. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 13, wherein said fitting joins said sleeve with said cable.
 15. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 14, wherein said motor provides power for said cable and said tip to thrust and rotate.
 16. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 15, in which said motor comprises a portable power source.
 17. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 16, wherein said handle is operable to control said obstruction clearing assembly.
 18. The obstruction clearing assembly of claim 17, wherein said handle is disposed to be accessible from outside said plumbing fixture.
 19. An obstruction clearing assembly comprising: means for accessing a handle of a cable; means for actuating a motor; means for agitating said cable, a sleeve, a tip, and a prong; means for maneuvering said cable from outside a plumbing fixture; and means for clearing an obstruction.
 20. An obstruction clearing assembly consisting of: a cable, said cable being operable to thrust and rotate, said cable comprising at least one thread, said at least one thread being configured diagonally, said cable further comprising a tip, said tip being disposed to be in proximity to an obstruction, said tip being operable to thrust and rotate, said tip comprising a prong, said prong being configured to clear said obstruction; a sleeve, said sleeve being configured to receive said cable, said sleeve being further configured to provide a rigid frame for said cable, said sleeve comprising a fitting, said fitting being configured to segregate a first portion of said cable from a second portion of said cable; at least one gasket, said at least one gasket being operable to provide a seal between said fitting and said cable; a casing, said casing being configured to cover said tip, said casing being further configured to join with a pipe portion, said casing being further configured to provide a watertight seal; a handle, said handle being operable to control said cable; and a plumbing fixture, said plumbing fixture comprising a toilet, said plumbing fixture further comprising a tank portion, said tank portion comprising a compartment, said compartment comprising a door, said compartment being disposed to provide access to said handle, said plumbing fixture further comprising a motor, said motor further comprising a power source, said motor being operatively joined with said cable. 